Digital Learning Environment-DLE

Richland One’s Digital Learning Environment (DLE) initiative expands the integration and use of technology as powerful tools for teaching and learning.

“The vision for the DLE initiative is to transform teaching and learning in Richland One to provide personalized learning opportunities for all students in grades 3-12,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.

“Our students will have added, ongoing experiences to learn in a digital environment that will be more collaborative and engaging. Students will be able to expand their learning to go beyond the walls of the school or the pages in a given textbook.”

Through the 1:1 (one-to-one) component of DLE, students in grades 3-12 receive Dell laptop computers to use in class and at home. Students also receive a backpack in which to carry and protect the laptops. Schools hold orientation sessions for students and parents before the devices are distributed. Parental consent forms and student pledge forms are provided. Student and parent responsibilities are outlined in the DLE Handbook. Each student is required to pay a $30 insurance fee per school year. The fee covers potential loss, theft or damage to the device. Students turn in the devices, which are property of Richland One, at the end of the school year.

“Richland One takes to heart the ‘Profile of the South Carolina Graduate’ that includes world-class skills such as creativity and innovation, communication, information, media and technology. Our DLE initiative provides us the ability to impart these skills to our students,” said Dr. Witherspoon.

DLE also provides a wide array of exciting learning activities and experiences for students, such as creating websites, apps, games, videos, blogs, presentations, models and digital portfolios; participating in virtual field trips, distance learning and video conferencing; and collaborating through computer and real-world simulations.

In a digital learning environment, the focus in the classroom shifts from the teacher to the students, with the teacher serving as more of a facilitator of learning. To enhance their technology integration skills, teachers participate in workshops, seminars, webinars and a variety of other professional development activities throughout the school year and during the summer, which also provide them with opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with their colleagues.